What does it mean to be a citizen? CITIZENSHIP What does it mean to be a citizen?

Who is considered a citizen based on the 14th Amendment? The U.S. Constitution as ratified in 1789 did not include a definition of U.S. citizenship, but the Constitution mentioned citizenship several times. A formal definition of U.S. citizenship was added to the Constitution when the 14th Amendment was ratified in 1868. All persons born or naturalized in the United States, and subject to the jurisdiction thereof, are citizens of the United States and of the state wherein they reside. No state shall make or enforce any law which shall abridge the privileges or immunities of citizens of the United States; nor shall any state deprive any person of life, liberty, or property, without due process of law; nor deny to any person within its jurisdiction the equal protection of the laws. – U.S. Constitution, Amendment XIV, Section 1 (1868) Who is considered a citizen based on the 14th Amendment?

CITIZENS Citizenship means being a member of a country and having full rights and responsibilities under that country’s law. Citizenship is given to: Anyone who is born in the United States. Anyone who is an immigrant who has gone through the naturalization process.

CITIZENSHIP BY BIRTH Law of Soil = A person is born in the United States, in one of its territories, or on a U.S. military base. This method of becoming a citizen does not require the person’s mother or father to be a U.S. citizen

CITIZENSHIP BY BLOOD Law of Blood = a person’s birth parents are U.S. citizens. This means that U.S. citizenship is passed to the child from the natural mother or father. How does the Law of Soil provide citizenship? How does the Law of Blood provide citizenship?

How is citizenship obtained?

Why do you think the Naturalization process is important to have? If you weren’t born in the U.S. and neither of your parents are U.S. citizens you can still become a citizen through a process called naturalization.  This is the process by which U.S. citizenship is granted to a foreign citizen or immigrant. Why do you think the Naturalization process is important to have?

NATURALIZATION REQUIREMENTS To qualify, applicants must meet 6 requirements: The person must be at least 18 years old. The person must have been a permanent resident of the United States for 5 years. The person must have good character (no criminal past) The person must speak English. The person must pass a civics test and an interview. The person must take an Oath of Allegiance swearing loyalty to the United States and our Constitution. Which requirement do you think is most important? Why? Which requirement do you think is least important? Why?

Why do you think this shortcut exists? There is one shortcut: People who serve in the U.S. military for at least one year can become citizens sooner because they have demonstrated their commitment to the United States. Why do you think this shortcut exists?

All About U.S. Citizens At least 18 Born in the U.S Resident for 5 yrs White male property owners. Born in the U.S Resident for 5 yrs African-American Good character Speak English Pass test & interview Take Oath of Allegiance Native American African Americans A parent is a U.S. citizen Asians Women Native Americans Deep bond or love Vote in Federal Elections Run for Federal office Serve on a jury Obey the law loyal The crime of betraying your country Voting Serve on a Jury The Star Spangled Banner Freedom of expression Freedom of assembly No unreasonable searches Said by Americans to show loyalty to the flag & country Register w/ Selective Services July 4th

What are the obligations of citizens? CITIZENSHIP What are the obligations of citizens?

OBLIGATIONS OBLIGATIONS Obey Laws Pay Taxes Defend the Nation As citizens, we have obligations – things we are required to do. Often these are also called Civic Duties We must fulfill obligations required by national, state, and local governments or face fines or imprisonment. OBLIGATIONS Obey Laws Pay Taxes Defend the Nation Serve in Court Attend School

How do laws help citizens? OBEY THE LAWS Serve specific purposes, such as to help people get along, prevent accidents, and see that resources are used fairly How do laws help citizens?

How do taxes help people in the United States? PAY TAXES Government uses tax money to pay police, pave roads, and maintain armed forces. People pay a percentage of what they bring in, or on the sale of goods or even property. How do taxes help people in the United States?

Do you think this is important? Why? DEFEND THE NATION In the U.S. all men aged 18-25 must register with Selective Services in case the country needs to draft, or call up men for military service; today military service is voluntary. Failing to register is a felony punishable by a fine of up to $250,000 or a prison term of up to five years, or a combination of both. Do you think this is important? Why?

Why do you think this is important? Why? SERVE IN COURT Every adult citizen must be prepared to serve on a jury or as a witness at a trial if called to do so. Why do you think this is important? Why?

ATTEND SCHOOL Most states require young people to attend school until the age of 16. In Florida at age 16 a child may file a formal declaration of intent to terminate school enrollment with the district school board. The declaration must be signed by the child and the child's parent or legal guardian. Floridians who drop out of school won’t be able to get a driver’s license before they turn 18. Do you think its fair to keep those who drop out from getting their driver’s license?

SUMMARIZING Use your notes to complete the summary on civic obligations. All citizens have ____________________ that are required to be done. Sometimes these are called ________________________. The five main ones are _________________, _______________, ____________________, ________________, and __________. Failing to do these will result in ___________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________.

What are responsibilities of citizens? CITIZENSHIP What are responsibilities of citizens?

RESPONSIBILITIES RESPONSIBILITIES As community members, we have many responsibilities. These are things citizens do voluntarily to help, or better, their community, state, and country. RESPONSIBILITIES 1. Be Informed 2. Speak up & Vote 3. Respect other’s rights 4. Respect Diversity 5. Contribute to the Common Good

What could you be doing more of to become a more informed citizen? BE INFORMED Know what the government is doing so that you can voice your opinion. People can learn about issues and leaders by reading print publications, listening to news on the radio or T.V., talking to people, and searching the internet Be aware of your rights What could you be doing more of to become a more informed citizen?

SPEAK UP & VOTE How could speaking up and voting affect citizens? Remember, the government exists to serve you, but you must make your concerns known. Calling, writing, or sending e-mails to your elected representatives; joining political parties; working for a cause Most importantly VOTE! How could speaking up and voting affect citizens?

Why is respecting other’s property important? RESPECT OTHER’S RIGHTS People must respect public property and the property of others. Vandalizing and littering are not only disrespectful but also a crime. Why is respecting other’s property important?

How does tolerance and diversity help a community? RESPECT DIVERSITY Although we may disagree with people or disapprove of their lifestyles, these people have an equal right to their beliefs and practices Tolerance means respecting and accepting others, regardless of their beliefs, practices, or differences. Diversity in our country is a strength, all citizens are equal and entitled to be treated the same. How does tolerance and diversity help a community?

How can you contribute to the common good? The Common Good is the benefit or interests of all. Contributing time, effort, and money to help others and to improve the community life. Be an active participant in your community How can you contribute to the common good?

SUMMARIZING Use your notes to complete the summary on civic responsibilities. All citizens have ____________________ that are voluntary tasks that are done to help their _______________________________. Five essential responsibilities are _________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________. I believe the most important responsibility is _________________ because_________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________.